Key facts

Language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component

Study abroad option: YesWork placement option: Yes

Overview

What is reality? How can we know it – and how do we know what we know? Can we trust what scientists say more than others, and is science ever truly objective?

A degree in Philosophy and History and Philosophy of Science addresses important questions about how we see and understand the world around us. As well as fundamental questions about knowledge, language, reality and moral and political life, you’ll learn about the ways in scientific theories and methods have developed over the years and the roles that science, technology and medicine play in society.

Core modules will introduce you to key approaches, thinkers and methods in each subject, as you learn to construct effective arguments and think about the nature of scientific evidence and ideas. You’ll then be able to expand your knowledge through a wide range of optional modules on topics like philosophy of biology, science and religion, metaphysics and aesthetics. You’ll engage with questions that have shaped the modern world.

Leeds has great facilities for students of philosophy, theology and religious studies. The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. Our other library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.

Course content

In your first year you’ll study core modules that introduce you to the history, methods and central questions across philosophy and history and philosophy of science, such as How to Think Clearly and Argue Well and How Science Works. You’ll also be able to choose from optional modules in either subject or discovery modules from across the university.

With this grounding you’ll be in a good position to take advantage of the choice on offer over the next two years. In your second year you’ll choose from core modules exploring topics such as the philosophy of theory and evidence, the history of psychiatry, or the role of science in social change. Beyond this you’ll be able to pursue your interests in optional modules such as moral and political philosophy, logic or the philosophy of mind or religion.

You’ll continue to benefit from this choice in your final year, but you’ll also focus on a specialist topic of your choice when you undertake your independent research project. It will allow you to showcase the skills and knowledge that you’ve developed throughout the course of your degree.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Follow the links to the Programme Catalogue for more example optional modules.

Compulsory modules

Magic, Science and Religion

10 credits

Introduction to the History of Science

10 credits

Darwin, Germs and the Bomb

10 credits

How Science Works

10 credits

How to Think Clearly and Argue Well

20 credits

Introduction to Academic Skills

5 credits

Optional modules

Examples of the optional modules available are shown below. Please contact us for more details of the requirements and choices available.

History of Psychology

10 credits

Living with Technology

10 credits

The Mind

10 credits

Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion

10 credits

The Good, the Bad, the Right, the Wrong

20 credits

Knowledge, Self and Reality

20 credits

Year 2

Optional modules

Examples of the optional modules available are shown below. Please contact us for more details of the requirements and choices available.

History of Psychiatry and Mental Illness

20 credits

Ethics of Life and Death

10 credits

Introduction to Metaphysics

20 credits

History of Science in 10 Objects

20 credits

Philosophical Issues in Biology

20 credits

Topics in Epistomology: Theory and Evidence

20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

Final Year Project

Optional modules

Examples of the optional modules available are shown below. Please contact us for more details of the requirements and choices available.

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science is home to expert tutors whose cutting-edge research informs their teaching. We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from their expertise including lectures, tutorials, seminars and occasionally workshops. However, independent study is vital to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis while forming your own ideas.

Assessment

Exams and essays are among the types of assessment we normally use, but some modules may also incorporate group work or oral presentations as assessed components. We offer plenty of support throughout your time at Leeds to help you handle assessments, such as extra classes on public speaking and exam technique.

Entry requirements, fees and applying

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB

Access to HE Diploma

Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may be required.

BTEC

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDD. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

Cambridge Pre-U

D3, M1, M1.

International Baccalaureate

35 points overall including 16 at Higher Level

Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3

Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or A in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or AAAABB in Highers, or AAAABB in Highers

Welsh Baccalaureate

The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.

Other Qualifications

European Baccalaureate: 80%.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.

When an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be ABB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.

We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Alternative entry

Were committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

English language requirements

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for the programme may be able to study an English for Academic Purposes pre-sessional course with a progression route to the degree programme. For information and entry requirements, read Pre-sessional programmes.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If youre unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

Fees

For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2018, the fee for 2018/19 will be £9,250.

The fee for undergraduate students starting in 2019 will be confirmed in September 2018.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students in 2018-19 will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Career opportunities

A degree in Philosophy and History and Philosophy of Science will equip you with in-depth subject knowledge on a wide range of topics. It will also give you transferable skills that are very attractive to employers.

You’ll have strong research skills and be able to think critically about complex information from a range of sources. You’ll be able to construct effective arguments and present and defend your views clearly, whether verbally or in writing. You’ll also be able to work in a team or independently and have good organisational skills.

Graduates have gone on to succeed in a wide range of career paths as a result, including management, charity work, the civil service, politics, journalism, the media and education. Many also pursue postgraduate study.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. Thats one
of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most
of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find
out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of
help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed
decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Placement opportunities

Study abroad

All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It’s a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV.

The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with universities in Denmark, France and Spain – language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

You’ll also have additional opportunities to gain work experience during the degree. For example, you can apply for our Philosophy Students into Schools module which allows you to spend time planning and delivering lessons, or you can get involved in the ongoing development of the Leeds Museum of the History of Science, Technology and Medicine.